Amanda Sloat, former Biden adviser: The distrust between Europe and the United States will last a generation'

"Democracy in the United States, and its institutions, are certainly under pressure. They are holding, but under strain. What is unusual is that Congress often absolves itself of its normal responsibility to serve as a co-equal branch of government in the legislative process and in overseeing the executive branch. This has been seen in debates including tariffs, the use of military force, and the elimination of institutions like USAID that were congressionally mandated."

Amanda Sloat, a political scientist with extensive experience in U.S. foreign policy and European affairs, expresses concern about deteriorating transatlantic relations and democratic pressures in the United States. Having served in senior positions under Presidents Obama and Biden, including roles at the State Department and National Security Council, Sloat now teaches at IE University in Madrid while hosting a geopolitical podcast. She observes troubling trends in American governance: executive overreach through decree-making, congressional abdication of legislative and oversight responsibilities, and judicial tensions. Specific concerns include immigration enforcement intensification, street militarization, dismantling of international cooperation frameworks, and unilateral tariff policies. However, she notes some relief from Supreme Court rulings limiting presidential tariff authority, suggesting institutional checks remain partially functional despite significant strain.

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